The Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) has been awarded to the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X for the 2022 to 2023 Edition.
Nissan Sakura
Essentially, the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X are identical vehicles. Both are products of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, aimed to strengthen its electrified portfolio. This is a significant milestone in JCOTY’s history as the two are the first electric Kei cars to win the accolade.
The Honda Civic e:HEV/Civic Type R came in second, which impressed jurors with what they can offer in the performance division. Meanwhile, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX join the Sakura and eK X as the EV models to make the prestige list.
Mitsubishi eK X
According to the jurors, the relatively affordable sticker prices of the Kei cars gave them an edge over other nominees. With it, more car buyers are given the option to get their EV ownership rolling. For reference, the models are priced under 2.0 million yen (or around Php 812,280).
Not only that but the jurors commended the Sakura and eK X’s good interior space for their size, 180 km range, and electric powertrain that produces 64 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque. Overall, the Nissan-Mitsubishi Kei car garnered 399 points to win the 2022-2023 JCOTY.
The first fully electric Kei car to win the JCOTY award
Here is the list of winners including the scores of the jurors:
- Nissan Sakura/Mitsubishi eK X EV – 399 points
- Honda Civic e:HEV/Civic Type R – 320 points
- Toyota Crown – 236 points
- Mazda CX-60 e-SkyActiv D3.3 – 141 points
- Nissan X-Trail – 84 points
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 75 points
- Nissan Fairlady Z – 72 points
- Renault Arcana – 70 points
- BMW iX – 45 points
- Land Rover Range Rover – 30 points
- Suzuki Alto – 28 points
Furthermore, JCOTY handed out special awards starting with the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X as the winners of the 2022-2023 Japan Kei Car of the Year. The BMW iX received the 2022-2023 Japan Design Car of the Year, while the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year goes to the Honda Civic e:HEV/Civic Type R. And for the first time, an Asian car won the 2022-2023 Japan Import Car of the Year with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
See more award-winning cars at Philkotse.com.